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Rusty Miller
Whenever the subject of music in worship is broached, invariably we are left to debate what we cannot do. While it is clear that we cannot worship God as He wishes if we introduce the use of instrumental music, it is just as clear that we are to sing. God has authorized music to be involved in worship to Him, and certainly He would have us know more about it than just that it must be a cappella.
Putting aside the arguments about the instrument then, what would God have us do when we sing? The dominant scriptures discussing New Testament singing are the parallel passages of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. In these verses, God's plan for singing is put forth.
How should we sing? No, the verses do not say a capella, but the verses say to sing (vocal music) and to make melody with your heart (the psallo or plucking involves the instrument of the heart). Any "instrument" other than the heart is unauthorized.
It should be noted that as long as there is controversy over the use of mechanical instruments, it is unnecessary to "take a chance" on the instrument, when God clearly approves of singing. As long as I can obey God by singing, why would I want to test Him? I would be saying, in effect, "Surely God will not condemn me for using a musical instrument."
What are we to sing? The scriptures noted define the parameters as "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs." A psalm is defined simply as a sacred song. Again, many try to infuse the instrument by arguing that a psalm was generally accompanied by an instrument, citing Old Testament usage to support this. Again, we are not under the Old Testament (2 Cor. 3:11-18), and there is evident use of the psalms of David without instrumental accompaniment (as when quoted in sermons by Peter and others, ex. Acts 2:25-28), thus, one is left again to prove the use of the instrument by the New Testament church, something which cannot be done.
Hymns are defined as songs of praise addressed to God, and they extol the excellency of His name and His greatness. We do not offer these songs up as if God needed our praise, but in recognition of how small we are compared with the greatness of God.
Spiritual songs are so noted to distinguish them from other (secular) songs. These are songs designed to bring us closer to God, either through their ability to teach us, or in their ability to remind us of our need of Him.
Why do we sing? These verses relate an obvious accomplishment of singing: We are to teach. The words of our songs are to be meaningful, not some vain, nebulous concept of praise. I recently had the opportunity to attend a Pentecostal revival which truly brought home this message. The songs, almost without fail, were virtually meaningless. Many were simply repetitions of phrases like, "We praise Jesus," or "We love you, Jesus." In one song, the singer, speaking of the love of Jesus, begged, "Let me know the kisses of Your mouth." How does one do that? My Bible doesn't say.
We need to be careful about the songs we choose, remembering that we are not choosing them for their beauty to human ears, but for accomplishing God's purpose in singing. Uptempo, multi-part harmonies and catchy melodies are fine when the songs meet the criteria for teaching and admonishing, but they cannot be the end of our song service. Songs should make us think about God and His word, as well as causing us to dwell on our own state regarding obedience to God.
What should my mindset be? In his admonition to the Colossians, Paul tells them to sing "with thankfulness in your hearts to God." In other words, we sing, not because we want to make pretty melodies. We sing, not because God needs our praise. We sing, not even necessarily, because we are so commanded. We sing because God has given us an indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15), the gift of salvation. Our thanks for the gift of His Son should cause us to desire to praise Him, and to do so whenever we have opportunity.
It is important to remember, the passages we have looked at are there to explain to us what God wants from singing, not necessarily what He doesn't want. We need to realize there is more to this discussion than simply not using the instrument.
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